Ahhh...just in time!

I woke up at 5am in the morning, and my father took me to the Canberra Airport which I flew to Sydney....I had about 5 hours waiting before I could board the flight, when I arrived, I was looking for my check in gate, unfortunately I crashed into a young lady by accident, which obviously was my fault - I should have watched where I was going! (Yes, I apologized)

I left Sydney Australia at 2.40pm as expected and the flight was not too bad, I was on the window seat and mostly enjoyed the beautiful views of the sunset and the sunrise during the 14 hour long flight, astounding! Oh yes, I snapped a picture or two of them, and it is in my camera, will be uploaded later on. The meals on the flight was nice except the breakfast which was worse, only that I ate yogurt, juice and croissant!

I arrived in Los Angeles, apparently 30 minutes early - and ended up in a long queue in the customs, I thought to myself, I'd miss my domestic flight to Portland. Fortunately, I was directed to a short line and I went through the passport customs and went through with flying colors. I declared the chocolates I have in the baggage, and they didn't need me to show so I went ahead into Los Angeles... then I almost got lost at the airport, but with help of directions from TSA staff, I was back on track, went to terminal 3, and checked myself in - just in time! I was asked to pay $15 for my baggage but was given back when they realized I was from Sydney, which to my surprise fee doesn't effect me as you are from an international flight ( Thanks Sue for explaining more!)

I was tired on the flight to Portland, so I managed a shut eye and two. I finally arrived, got my bag and caught the red max line light rail to my hotel, it was easy than I thought, I got off at Morrison/southwest 3rd ave which my hotel is just short distance away, so it is only a minute's walk. Fantastic!

Checked in, my room looked quite small but extremely comfortable I must say. I got the sidekick 3 and the charger as expected by mail, from my friends (thanks Andy and Craig!)

I got many texts from my friends through the night and I was out at Sue Murray's place for dinner - Tim, Bron and kids picked me up at the hotel and we all caught the light rail to Washington Park/Oregon Zoo where Mr Murray picked up in minivan to their place.

Sue Murray - I instantly recongised her and now remember that I have met her before, it was when I was a kid. No wonder there is something wrong with my memory. Oops. Thanks to the Murray family for the dinner, appericate it! It was lovely to see my relatives while they were in Portland, they are heading out to Hawaii tomorrow before they head back to Sydney

Now, they have just dropped me home, the bed sure looked good to me. Best off to bed, got a big day tomorrow of exploring!